Cacao Rojo

Sarcomphalus reticulatus

Native to:
Dominican Republic, Haiti, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Genus:
Sarcomphalus
Species:
Sarcomphalus reticulatus
USDA Symbol:
ZIRE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; adapted to fire-prone thornscrub communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to tropical and subtropical regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat requires scarification; cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI